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National Travel and Tourism Week a chance to explore as a “Top City Tourist”

In partnership with more than three dozen Topeka businesses, Visit Topeka is encouraging Topekans and visitors alike to explore as a “Top City Tourist” during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7 to 13.

“We want this week to be an opportunity for Topekans to get out and appreciate everything visitors enjoy and experience,” said Rosa Cavazos, director of tourism development. “By doing so, we’ll all be supporting the businesses and employees that drive the economic impact of tourism on Topeka and Shawnee County.”

For the second year in a row, Visit Topeka is encouraging exploration during National Travel and Tourism Week with daily themes and related discounts. Some businesses are participating on multiple days. The themes are:

Sunday Funday, May 7 -- Five discounts offered

Monday Madness, May 8 -- Five discounts offered

Treat Yourself Tuesday, May 9 -- Eight discounts offered

Restaurant Wednesday, May 10 -- 10 discounts offered.

Throwback Thursday, May 11 -- Six discounts offered. Three Topeka museums that always offer free admission also are promoted.

National Travel and Tourism Week also provides an opportunity to recognize accomplishment in the hospitality industry in Topeka.

The Andrea Rakocy Burton Hospitality Award will be presented on Friday. Details will be shared in a release early next week. The award honors Burton’s service as Capitol Tour Center Coordinator, as well as her passion for tourism in Topeka.

Additionally, hospitality industry staff will participate in a Know Your City tour and training on Thursday morning, beginning at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center at 9 a.m. and visiting four stops at area attractions before noon, thanks to Topeka Metro. Later, from 5:30-7 p.m., hospitality industry workers and their families are encouraged to enjoy fun at TrampoLazerRockBall Park, courtesy of Visit Topeka and TrampoLazerRockBall Park. An employee ID or paycheck stub will be required.

“Those hospitality industry employees -- hotel staff, gas station staff, restaurant staff and more -- represent more than 5 percent of all jobs in Shawnee County,” Cavazos said. “They represent our city every day to tourists, conventioneers, sports teams and families and so many more. We’re honored to recognize them.”

As Topeka's official destination marketing organization, Visit Topeka is dedicated to marketing the region as an exceptional destination for meetings, events, sports and leisure tourism, thereby enhancing the local economy. Visit Topeka is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization. Learn more at VisitTopeka.com.